The new beta version of iOS 16.1 reveals that a beloved AirPods Pro 2 feature will not remain exclusive. Indeed, the first-generation earbuds will also feature Adaptive Transparency with the update.
At least that’s what MacRumors is reporting today in response to a post on Reddit. OMT editor Mark Hofman updates you.
AirPods Pro 2 feature to older model
In my review of the AirPods Pro 2, published yesterday, I informed you that the earbuds’ Transparency mode is rather genius. It has to do with the fact that sounds louder than 90dB are still filtered out, so your ears are better protected.
The functionality, thanks in part to the H2 chip, is really very good. Evidently it is not unique, because in iOS 16.1, consumers with the first-generation AirPods Pro also get access to the feature. Exactly how that works is not clear, given that this model still features the previous chip.
iOS 16.1b3 Adaptive transparency is available for gen1 AirPods on AirPods beta v5A304a from iOSBeta
Chances are good that the AirPods Pro 2 feature works better on the earbuds announced during Far Out. Although there is little meaningful to say about that at this point. Practice will have to tell us.
A pleasant surprise
While the AirPods Pro 2 can be called a welcome upgrade, there are plenty of consumers who are sticking with the first-generation from 2019. For them, the introduction of Adaptive Transparency may be a reason to delay the switch a little longer.
Apple is surprising consumers with this, by the way. During the announcement of the Pro 2, there was every indication that this would be a unique feature for the new earbuds. As such, there was no reference to the first-generation.
By the way, this is the beta version of iOS 16.1, which simply means that things can still change. If you currently have the first-generation Pros in your pocket, do be moderately excited.